Children’s books by current writers which are both well-written and captivating. We use 1975 as the cut off date for calling something ‘contemporary’ or classic; however, contemporary generally means today’s kids can identify with the characters.
Published: 2019 Theme: Adventure in Rural Kenya Best for: 12 to 14 "Yeah, no one here has food allergies." Hannah's eyes shifted and narrowed. How is that possible? We're worried about what food to let in our schools and here they're worried about having food at all." In this semi-fictional children's book, we are inspired to extend ourselves to other cultures, to learn more about them, and to help when we can
Published: 2018 Theme: Protection of Endangered Species Best for: 9 to 12 "This story is for all who have the courage to protect instead of dominate, to save instead of plunder, and to preserve instead of destroy." A sequel to Dragon Rider, this action-packed adventure with fantasy animals, is all about protecting all living beings.
Published: 2003 Theme: Valuing Community Best for: 9 and up "Tee ball is killing baseball... They're killing the ability of kids to learn the most important part of the game- to follow a ball with their eyes. And to swing and hit a moving target.." This is a lovely children's book for kids who love their hometown baseball, played on their own local field, worth more than money can buy...
Published: 2018 Theme: Animal Kindness Best for: 7 to 9 "When you are expecting the moon, it can be hard to know what to say to a small red squirrel. But still, the little cat gathered herself quickly. She was a polite cat." In this poetic prose children's book, we see the world through the eyes of a little cat looking for its own nesting place.
Published: 2014 Theme: Resilience and family Best for: ages 10 and up "We don't look much like brother and sister. Sometimes I reckon that might even be part of the problem. Maybe if we looked a little bit like each other, it might help" This book is transformative; we start out in despair, and end up in acceptance and love.
Published: 2017 Theme: Knights Best for: 9 and up "They may be young, but Sir Odo found me and awoke me. The mighty quest is his," said Biter the sword. "By the same token, your daughter is small but seems valiant and my knight must have a squire." A great fantasy adventure about two young children and their enchanted sword on a quest...
Published: 2017 Theme: Integrity, Time-travel Best for: 8 and up "Try keeping your eyes on the ball when you swing," suggested Miss Ellington. She had a habit of sneaking up on him and giving him batting tips." This children's book has a little bit of everything, including profound lessons and lightheartedness.
Published: 2018 Theme: Overcoming Discrimination Best for: 9 and up "It wasn't surprising that Siobhan Washington became a librarian. She grew up surrounded by books, spending just as much time in her school library as she did on the tennis courts. " This authentic peek back in time to the struggles of African-Americans to be accepted is well-done, written in the form of a puzzle-solving adventure.
Published: 2018 Theme: Humor Best for: 6 and up "Now, under normal circumstances, Poo-Poo's request to lick Karen's nose would be quite bizarre. But these were not normal circumstances..." Humor is humor, silliness is silliness, and Tom Watson delivers both, regardless of whether it's about dogs or cats...
Published: 2017 Theme: Courage, Fantasy Best for: girls 11 and up "We will rise. We will not, cannot, be controlled through fear or hatred, for we have hope. Those who greedily hoard their power will find it slips through their fingers like sand. We are free." This is a very dramatic fantasy, with two fabulous heroines leading us to right some wrongs...
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